At 2.25 the Great Lakes Council was still advising motorists that Failford Road was closed due to water over road.

EARLIER TODAY:

HEAVY rainfall has contributed to a number of accidents overnight and shut down the Lakes Way from Bungwahl to Bulahdelah due to flooding and minor landslips this morning (Tuesday January 5).

Other sections of the Lakes Way also have water over them, forcing motorists to slow down.  

A minor floodwarning has been issued for the Myall River at Bulahdelah.

“We expect the situation to worsen throughout the day,” a Great Lakes Council spokeswoman said.

“Council urges people to exercise caution and not to cross flood waters if they are in any doubt as to the depth of the water.

“As roads are reopened, the myroadinfo website will be updated.”

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has predicted that a monsoonal trough and developing east coast low will produce rainfall totals of between 30 to 60mm on Tuesday with heavier localised falls of over 100mm possible during the next 24 hour period.

Minor flooding is current along the Myall River at Bulahdelah where the river was at 3.72m and peaking at 11.50am.

As a result, a flood watch has been issued for the Mid North Coast between Port Macquarie and Newcastle alerting communities to prepare for possible minor to moderate flooding in the Karuah, Manning and Camden Haven Valleys.

The NSW SES warned people camping near creeks and rivers to closely monitor severe weather and flood warnings issued by the BOM, seek advice from local residents and move to higher ground early to avoid isolation or inundation from rapidly rising waterways.

Police have also asked motorists to slow down after several vehicles aqua planed off the road last night.

About 7pm last night police were called to five accidents along the Pacific Highway near Minimbah.

Then at 9pm police were called a truck that jack-knifed off the Pacific Highway near Taree.

Traffic conditions:

• The Lakes Way from Bungwahl to Bulahdelah is closed due to flooding and minor landslips.

• The Lakes Way at Timber Tops Estate - water over road - proceed with caution.

• Duck Creek at Coomba - water over road - proceed with caution.

• Failford Road - water over road - proceed with caution.

• The Lakes Way at Tarbuck Bay - water over road - proceed with caution.

• The Lakes Way at Lakes Estate, Forster - water over road - proceed with caution.

• The Lakes Way between Charlotte Bay and Smiths Lake - water over road - proceed with caution.

• The Bulahdelah Waste Transfer Station is closed until further notice due to flooding. If residents have waste they need to dispose of, use the Tea Gardens Waste Transfer Station located at Winta Road.  

For the most up to date information the Great Lakes Council said residents can check council’s Facebook and Twitter pages and the website: myroadinfo.com.au